deutscher landschaftsarchitekturpreis 2021

Flexible framework

This strong design idea allowed the greatest pos sible fl exibility on several levels. On the one hand, the variable routing of the paths meant that the mature trees could be retained on the site. This is an obvious bene fi t as large, majestic trees give the park an identity, a state that newly laid out grounds usually take time to grow into. The design, on the other hand, allows the layout to adapt to changing conditions. This was important, as the park has always managed to keep one step ahead of the new development that now encloses the green space. The con fi guration of the paths lends the areas in between their curving lines a strong and calm frame, thus creating the opportunity of fi lling these spaces in different ways: trees, topographi cal faults and prairie perennials are recurring motifs that extend throughout the park. Some of these fi elds were not fl eshed out until the actual building works for that section of the park began – in many cases years after the design stage. This mainly applied to the playgrounds. These areas were merely allocated functions in the design stage, such as toddlers’ or youths’ play area. The actual layout was determined during the produc tion information stage. Irene Lohaus truly appre ciated the fact that the landscape architects were able to complete the design stage by only allocating functions to certain fi elds, which were then brought to life later in the planning process: ‘The AGS urban development company as the cli ent and the Augsburg urban planning authority, as well as open space, nature conservation and cem etery agencies, had a lot of faith in us, which is not a given.’ And: ‘Of course, the contents can be

Ein Bündel geschwungener Wege zieht sich mittig durch den gesamten Park. Es gibt einen breiten Hauptweg und zahlreiche kleine Seitenwege für Besucher, die es nicht so eilig haben. A stream of curved paths winds through the middle of the entire park. There is a wide main path and several small lateral routes for visitors who are not in a hurry.

© Eckhart Matthäus Fotogra fi e

altered as needs change.’ It’s dif fi cult to imagine now that this might actually become necessary. Every single space in the park has been lovingly designed, thought through and worked out down to the last detail. The connecting stream of white paths alone, which divides and converges, is more than a link from north to south. The smooth sur face makes the network of paths suitable for all means of transportation, ranging from tricycles, rollerblades and bicycles to wheelchairs. It is fun to follow the bends in the path on anything with wheels. In between these paths, or nestling up to them, the designers have created numerous landscape sections in the form of play and sports grounds as well as pleasant places for spending time.

Multifunctional landscapes

Trees grow in some of these fi elds, birch, for example, or larch are densely planted – places to visit that people happen upon at the side of the path. Play and seating areas are carefully inte grated into the groves. Designed with similar lov ing care are the actual play areas, designated as such. The mud playground in Sheridan Park was

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